All-wheel drive pays dividends on the wet circuit, making the C-Crosser much quicker and stable than in 2wd

The Citroën even rides surprisingly well for a vehicle of its type, smoothing away most intrusions as if they don’t exist without being so soft as to allow the body to float around if you press on. Yes, there is an inevitable amount of body roll if you really lean on it through a fast corner, but even when it moves around, it does so in a controlled manner.

The all-wheel drive system is probably over-engineered for the average owner’s needs. You engage the system by rotating a dial knob down by the gearlever, and you can do so at any time, and at any speed.

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Although the ride isn’t quite as hushed or pliant as that of a Freelander, the body’s tautly controlled. Wind and road noise, the quality of the cabin materials, the notchy gearchange and the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel could all be improved upon, but they’re secondary criticisms.

Unlike the lack of originality that this car represents. For the car maker which gave us front-wheel drive, hydropneumatic suspension and disc brakes before any other, that could be a problem. Citroën customers may expect something more innovative.